Method and Apparatus for Lining a Pipe

ABSTRACT

A repair assembly and method of use is provided. The repair assembly includes a liner assembly for repairing a pipe system including a first pipe, a second pipe extending from the first pipe, and in some embodiments a third pipe extending from the second pipe. The third pipe may include multiple pipes. The repair assembly further includes a bladder assembly. The liner and bladder assembly are configured to work together to be positioned within the first, second, third and any additional pipes to line and repair all of the components of the pipe system in a single repair. Such repair will reduce the amount of time required to repair such pipe systems, and will increase the efficiency of repairing pipes.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/590,760 filed Jan. 6, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisionalapplication No. 61/926,493 filed Jan. 13, 2014 and U.S. provisionalapplication No. 61/923,814 filed Jan. 6, 2014, the complete disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pipe repair. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a method andapparatus for repairing pipes that may include the repair of a mainpipe, lateral pipe, and supplemental pipes extending off the lateralpipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior methods for repairing damaged portions of pipelines include movinga liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing andhardening to a position within the pipe where the damaged portion islocated. The liner tube is installed by pulling, pushing, or invertingthe liner into the host pipe. Once the liner is positioned within thehost pipe, it is pressurized, usually by an inflation bladder, causingthe liner to press against the interior wall of the host pipe, and theliner is cured by applying heat, such as steam or hot water. Theseliners can also be cured at ambient temperatures by chemical mixturesthat generate an exothermic reaction, the use of ultraviolet light orother photo curing initiators, or by electron beam curing. The linertube forms an interior liner in the pipe for the pipeline beingrepaired. One such process is known as cured-in-place pipelining.

In most pipelines, lateral or branch pipes are connected to main pipes.In most cases, the lateral pipe connects to a main pipe by use of afactory made WYE or TEE-shaped fitting. However, in some cases theconnection of a lateral pipe to a main sewer pipe is accomplished byforming a hole in the main line with a hammer. The lateral pipe is thensimply abutted against the hole, and then the juncture is covered withmortar, dirt, or the like. Damage or leaking can occur at the junctionbetween the lateral pipe and the main pipe, which is generally known asone of the weakest points in a collection sewer system. T-shaped orY-shaped liner tubes have been utilized to fit within the junctionbetween the lateral and main pipes. Liner tubes form a T-shaped orY-shaped liner after hardening to the interior of the junction betweenthe pipes. Again, inflation bladders are typically used to pressurizethe liners against the interior walls of the host pipes.

Furthermore, some pipelines include additional pipes that extend off orfrom the lateral pipes. These supplemental pipelines, which may belateral pipes or clean out pipes, may extend in a number of manners fromthe lateral pipe to service multiple buildings or drain lines. Forexample, a pipeline may exist at a distal end of the lateral pipe awayfrom the main pipe, extending in opposite directions. This pipe may havean axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the main pipe, ormay have an axis in any angle relative to the axis of the main pipe. Forexample, the lateral connects from the main at a 12:00 location andextends to a bullheaded TEE fitting. The two branch pipes continue intwo opposite directions from the mainline direction.

However, present pipe repair assemblies are not configured to repairthese configurations of pipelines. Instead, while a main pipe, a lateralpipe, and the main/lateral connection may be repaired at the same time,a separate assembly will be needed to repair the additional orsupplemental pipeline, or even the bullheaded TEE fitting. Thisincreases the amount of time it takes to repair the pipes and does notrenew the bullheaded TEE where leakage can continue to occur. The onlysolution has heretofore been to excavate the bullheaded TEE fitting. Theresulting delay of this approach can increase the amount of money ittakes to repair the pipes, as the process will need to take longer andlikely utilize additional equipment and restoration to road pavement.Furthermore, there is no continuous liner for the sections, so there isno homogenous repair without cold joints.

Sewer clean out pipes or access pipes are often found along a lateralsewer pipe. A sewer clean out pipe is normally a capped pipe whichprovides access from the ground level to the sewer line. A lateral cleanout pipe allows the cleaning of blockages in the lateral sewer pipe. Thelateral clean out is also a point of entry for cured-in-place pipeliningapplications as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,937 which isincorporated by reference. In some instances, the pipe in need of repairmay include not only the lateral pipe but the clean out pipe as well.However, pipe repair assemblies are not presently configured to line alateral pipe on both sides of the sewer clean out when the clean out isthe access point for the repair. Nor do pipe repair assemblies andlining methods exist for lining through a clean out to repair both thedownstream portion of the lateral pipe and the junction between the mainand lateral pipe. Similarly, using a clean out to rehabilitate a lateralpipe and a supplemental pipe in communication therewith is alsoproblematic.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a pipe repair assembly that isable to repair more pipes with a single assembly that has beenpreviously made to match the configuration of the multiple pipes. Thereis also a need in the art for an assembly and method of repair thatreduces the amount of time it takes to repair a pipe system having oneor more pipes extending from a lateral pipeline.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of thepresent invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes thedeficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present inventionto provide a repair assembly that allows for the repair of the mainpipe, lateral pipe extending front a main pipe, and a supplemental pipeextending from the lateral pipe.

It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a repair assembly that can repair multiplejunctures between pipelines.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present inventionto provide a repair assembly for use in repairing a lateral pipe and asupplemental pipe and/or main pipe from a sewer clean out.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a repair assembly that includes a bladder assemblycapable of expanding liners in a main pipe, lateral pipe, andsupplemental pipe.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a liner assembly capable of repairing a main pipe,lateral pipe, supplemental pipe, and connections between the pipes.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a repair assembly and pipelining method forrepairing a sewer clean out in addition to the upstream and downstreamportions of the lateral pipe connected thereto.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to reduce the amount of time it takes to repair multiplepipelines.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage to seal thepipes preventing leakage by use of gasket end seals attached to theliner prior to insertion of the liner into the pipe.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage to measurediameters, angles, and lengths of multiple pipelines throughnon-invasive methods and to manufacture a liner assembly that matchesthe size and configuration of a main pipe, a lateral pipe and multiplebranch pipes.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The presentinvention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features andadvantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object,feature, or advantage.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention includes a repairassembly capable of repairing a pipe system including a first pipe, asecond pipe extending from the first pipe at a first junction, and athird pipe extending from the second pipe at a second junction. Thefirst pipe may also be referred to as a main pipe, the second pipe afirst lateral pipe, and the third pipe a branch pipe or supplementalpipe. The third pipe may extend from the second pipe in a number ofconfigurations. For example, the third pipe may extend from a distal endof the second pipe in an orthogonal direction, with the axis of thethird pipe being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the secondpipe, and extending in opposite directions therefrom. The third pipe mayonly extend in a single direction from the second pipe as well.Furthermore, the invention contemplates that the third pipe may extendfrom the second pipe at a location between the first pipe and the distalend of the second pipe, with generally any number of third pipesextending from the second pipe.

The repair assembly thus includes a liner assembly. The liner assembly,according to some embodiments, includes a main liner member forpositioning in a main pipe, a lateral liner tube extending from the mainliner member and configured to line a lateral pipe extending from themain pipe, and at least two supplemental liner tubes extending from thelateral liner tube and configured to line at least a portion of thesupplemental pipes extending from a lateral pipe. The main liner membercan be pulled into place and inflated so the lateral liner is aligned toextend into the lateral pipe; or the main liner can be pulled in andinverted so the lateral liner is aligned to extend into the lateralpipe. The mainline liner may be a brim style flange or a full wrap forthe pull in and inflate method. However, if the mainline liner is pulledin and inverted, the mainline liner must be formed as a tube. Thelateral liner tube may extend from the main liner member in a tee or wyeshaped configuration. The supplemental liner tubes may be positioned ina tee or wye shaped configuration at the distal end of the lateral linertube away from the main liner tube. Such a configuration would allow theliner assembly to repair a pipe system in which the lateral pipe extendsat a tee or wye angle from the main pipe, and also in which thesupplemental pipe extends from the lateral pipe in a tee or wyeconfiguration. For example, the liner assembly may be configured torepair and line a pipe system in which the lateral pipe extendssubstantially perpendicular (tee configuration) from the main pipe, andwhich the supplemental pipe extends in a substantially perpendicularmanner (tee shape) from a distal end of the lateral pipe. In such asituation, the lateral liner would be a tee-shaped liner, and thesupplemental liner would also be a tee-shaped liner. However, theinvention contemplates that either or both of the lateral andsupplemental liners may extend in a wye-shaped configuration, in whichthe axis of the lateral and/or supplemental liners are acute or obtuseto one another and/or the main liner axis.

The liners, which can comprise a resin absorbent material, may beimpregnated with a material capable of curing and hardening prior topositioning within the pipe system. The liner assembly is inverted intoposition such that the liners of the assembly are positioned in theirrespective pipes to be repaired. Bladders may be used to press theliners into contact with the pipes, such that the material impregnatedin the liners cures and hardens to form a repaired pipe wall.Furthermore, compression gaskets may be used to form an end seal atterminating ends of the liner, likewise a collar may be positioned onthe assembly and configured to be positioned at either or both of thejunctions between the main pipe and the lateral pipe, and the lateralpipe and the supplemental pipe. The collar, which can comprise ahydrophilic rubber, polymer, or other water-sealing material, aids insealing the junctions between the pipes.

According to other aspects of the invention, a method of repairing apipe is provided. The method includes providing a liner assemblycomprising a main liner member, a lateral liner tube extending from themain liner member, and at least one supplemental liner tube extendingfrom the lateral liner tube and configured to line at least a portion ofa supplemental pipe extending from a lateral pipe. The liner assembly isimpregnated with a material capable of curing and hardening, andpositioned in a pipe system. The liner assembly is expanded such thatthe lateral liner tube extends into and in contact with a lateral pipeand such that the at least one supplemental lateral pipe extends intoand in contact with a supplemental pipe. The material is allowed to cureand harden. A bladder assembly, comprising a main bladder tube, alateral bladder tube extending from the main bladder tube, and at leastone supplement bladder tube extending from the lateral bladder tube, maybe used to expand the liner assembly in the pipe system.

According to additional aspects of the invention, a repair assembly isprovided. The repair assembly includes a bladder assembly comprising amain bladder tube, a lateral bladder tube extending from the mainbladder tube, and at least one supplemental bladder tube extending fromthe lateral bladder tube, and a liner assembly comprising a main linermember, a lateral liner tube extending from the main liner member, andat least one supplemental liner tube extending from the lateral linertube and configured to line at least a portion of a supplemental pipeextending from a lateral pipe. The main liner member at least partiallysurrounds the main bladder member, the lateral liner tube is configuredto be positioned between the lateral bladder tube and a lateral pipe,and the at least one supplemental liner tube is configured to bepositioned between the at least one supplemental bladder tube and asupplemental pipe. At least a portion of the liner assembly comprises aresin absorbent material. The liners can be ambient cured or steam curedby passing steam through the bladder and out the end of the bladderthrough an exhaust hole in the bladder. The repair assembly may alsoinclude a launcher device, wherein the main bladder member at leastpartially surrounds the launcher device and the launcher device is usedto position the repair assembly. The launcher device is fluidlyconnected to the bladder assembly such that the launcher device providesa fluid to the bladder assembly to inflate and expand said bladderassembly to expand the liner assembly. Furthermore, the repair assemblymay include a collar positioned at a juncture of the main liner memberand the lateral liner tube such that the collar is configured to belocated at least partially between the main liner member and a mainpipe. The collar may comprise a water sealing material, such as ahydrophilic or hydrophobic material. The collar may also gasket made ofcompressible material like rubber or silicone. The process of theinvention can also be completed through inversion for all portions ofthe liner assembly, including the main, the lateral, and the branches,which are all inverted out of a lay flat hose launcher without the useof a more rigid T-Launcher. When a T-Launcher is used, the main bladderis inflated causing the main member to contact the pipe. This is just adifferent method for installing the liner assembly but in the case ofthe rigid T-Launcher, the main liner is made from a flat sheet that iswrapped, and in the case of inversion, the main liner is a preformedtube that can be inverted.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a repair assembly andmethod for lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion ofthe clean out pipe and a connecting pipe, such as a lateral pipe. Therepair assembly generally includes a bladder assembly including anaccess bladder tube and a lateral bladder tube extending from the accessbladder tube, a liner assembly including an access liner tube configuredto line at least a portion of the access pipe and a lateral liner tubeextending from the access liner tube and configured to line at least aportion of the lateral pipe in a first direction away from the accesspipe and a second direction away from the access pipe. The access linertube is configured to be positioned between the access bladder tube andthe access pipe, and the lateral liner tube is configured to bepositioned between the lateral bladder tube and the lateral pipe.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a repair assembly andmethod for lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion of alateral pipe and a connecting pipe, such as another lateral pipe or amain pipe. The repair assembly generally includes a bladder assemblyincluding an access bladder tube, a lateral bladder tube extending fromthe access bladder tube, and a main bladder tube extending from thelateral bladder tube, and a liner assembly including a lateral linertube configured to line at least a portion of the lateral pipe and amain liner tube configured to line at least a portion of the main pipe.The lateral liner tube is configured to be positioned between thelateral bladder tube and the lateral pipe, and the main liner tube isconfigured to be positioned between the main bladder tube and the mainpipe.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a repair assembly andmethod for lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion of alateral pipe on opposite sides of the clean out and a connecting pipe,such as another lateral pipe or a main pipe. The repair assemblygenerally includes a bladder assembly including an access bladder tube,a lateral bladder tube extending from the access bladder tube, and amain bladder tube extending from the lateral bladder tube, wherein thelateral bladder tube has a first portion configured to extend in a firstdirection and a second portion configured to extend in a seconddirection, and a liner assembly including a lateral liner tubeconfigured to line at least a portion of the lateral pipe and a mainliner tube configured to line at least a portion of the main pipe,wherein the lateral liner tube has a first portion configured to extendin a first direction and a second portion configured to extend in asecond direction. The lateral liner tube is configured to be positionedbetween the lateral bladder tube and the lateral pipe, and the mainliner tube is configured to be positioned between the main bladder tubeand the main pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a repair assembly forrepairing a pipe system.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the repair assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a pipe system.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the repair assembly being positioned in apipe system needing repair.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, with the repair assembly beingfurther positioned in the pipes of the system.

FIG. 6 is a view of the repair assembly fully positioned in the pipesystem.

FIG. 7 is a view of the pipe system with repaired walls.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a repair systembeing positioned in a pipe system.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but with the repair assemblypositioned in the pipes of the pipe system.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the pipe system of FIG. 8 with repairedwalls.

FIG. 11 is a view of a pipe system being measuring according to anexemplary method of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing an exemplary method ofmeasuring a pipe system.

FIG. 13 is a view of another exemplary method of measuring a pipe systemto be repaired.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a repair assemblyfor lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion of the cleanout pipe and a connecting pipe.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a repair assemblyfor lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion of a lateralpipe and a connecting pipe.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a repair assemblyfor lining through a clean out to repair at least a portion of a lateralpipe and a connecting pipe.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figuresrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to the repair of pipe systems.The pipe systems may be a sewage pipe system. Some pipe systems includea pipe, which is also known as a main pipe. A lateral pipe extends fromportions of main pipes. At times, these lateral pipes extend from themain pipe to a residence or business. At a distal end of a lateral pipeaway from a main pipe, supplemental pipes may extend. For example, thesupplemental pipes may extend from opposite directions at the distal endof the lateral pipe into residences on opposite sides of a road or otherstructure. In addition, a supplemental pipe may extend from differentlocations along the length of the lateral pipe and towards otherstructures, residences, businesses, or other pipes.

The supplemental pipe may extend along generally any configuration fromthe lateral pipe, which is also extending from any configuration fromthe main pipe. For example, the lateral pipe may extend from the mainpipe in a tee or wye configuration, wherein the tee and wyeconfigurations relate generally to the angle of the lateral pipeextending from the main pipe. Likewise, the supplemental pipe mayinclude one or more sections that extend from the lateral pipe in a teeor wye configuration. In some instances, the supplemental pipe extendsfrom the distal end of the lateral pipe in a tee configuration with theaxis of the supplemental pipe being generally perpendicular to the axisof the lateral pipe from which it extends. It should further beappreciated that the axis of the supplemental pipe may be substantiallyparallel to that of the main pipe, or may be configured in such a mannerthat it is perpendicular, obtuse, or otherwise angled with relation tothe axis of the main pipe. However, in any case or configuration of pipesystem, the pipes and junctures between said pipes may need to berepaired.

One specific type of supplemental pipe is a clean out. Clean outs (alsoreferred to herein as clean out pipes or access pipes) provide access tothe pipe system. A lateral clean out in a sewer pipe system extends froma lateral pipe to the ground level. The lateral clean out provides anaccess point for rehabilitating the lateral pipe. The clean out pipe mayalso be in need of repair.

One exemplary form of the present invention provides a novel repairassembly 10 and method of use for repairing pipe systems that include afirst pipe (main pipe), second pipe extending from the main pipe(lateral pipe), as well as a third or even fourth pipe extending from aportion of the second pipe (supplemental pipe). It should be noted that,while the repair assembly 10 shown and described is shown to repair apipe system including a third, fourth, or otherwise supplemental pipeextending at a distal end of said second or lateral pipe, it should beappreciated that this is for exemplary purposes only. The repairassembly 10 can be manipulated or otherwise configured to repairgenerally any pipe system including a third or supplemental pipeextending from a portion of a lateral or second pipe.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repair assembly 10 for repairing sucha pipe system. The repair assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes alauncher device 12, which is used to position the repair assembly withinthe pipe system, and to aid in positioning the components of the repairassembly 10 into the various pipes of the system. The launcher device 12includes a first end 14 and an opposite end 18. Between the first andsecond ends 14, 18 is a launcher device opening 16, which providesaccess to a cavity 20 within the launcher device 12. As shown throughoutthe figures, a lay flat hose 21 is fluidly connected to the second end18 of the launcher device 12. The lay flat hose 21, which is notrequired in all embodiments, provides for the storage, positioning, andapplication of fluid to an extended portion of the repair assembly 10,as will be appreciated and understood. It should also be appreciatedthat when shorter portions of a pipe system are to be repaired using therepair assembly 10 of the invention, the lay flat hose 21 may not beneeded, as there will not be as long of components of the repairassembly to be positioned within the pipe system. As shown in FIGS. 1and 2, a liner assembly 22 is included with the repair assembly 10 andoperably connected to said launcher device 12. The liner assembly 22includes a main liner member 24, which at least partially surrounds aportion of the launcher device 12. The main liner member 24 may comprisea tube, formed from abutting edges of a sheet of material that then maybe stitched, or the sheet of material may be wrapped about the launcherdevice 12 with opposing edges overlapping. Connected to the main linermember and extending within the launcher device 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is alateral liner tube 26. The lateral liner tube 26 extends from the mainliner member 24 about a main liner member opening 28. Thus, the lateraland main liners may be fluidly connected to one another, but maycomprise separate pieces, which are attached to one another. As shown inFIG. 2, the lateral liner tube 26 extends through the launcher deviceopening 16 and into the cavity 20 of the launcher device 12. The lateralliner tube 26 further extends into the lay flat hose 21. As the lateralliner tube 26 is inverted or pulled into the launcher device 12 and thelay flat hose 21, the assembly 10 is shown to be a cured in place pipelining or inversion method style of pipe repair. As will be understood,in such an assembly, the launcher device 12 is moved into position suchthat the lateral liner tube 26 is everted through the launcher deviceopening 16 and into a lateral pipe, where it is put into contact withthe walls of a lateral pipe. While such a configuration is shown, itshould be further appreciated that the repair assembly 10 of the presentinvention may also be the type of pipe repair does not limit the repairassembly 10 in any way.

The liner assembly 22 further includes a supplemental liner tube 30extending from a portion of the lateral liner tube 26 and in fluidcommunication with said lateral liner tube 26. As shown in the figures,the supplemental liner tube 30 includes first and second sections 32,34, which extend from a distal end of the lateral liner tube 26.Therefore, the configuration of the liner assembly 22 shown in thefigures is configured to line a supplemental pipes positioned at adistal end of the lateral pipe of the pipe system. However, as will beunderstood, the location and configuration of the supplemental linertubes 30 may be positioned generally anywhere along the body of thelateral liner tube such that it may be positioned into a supplementalpipe extending at any location along the lateral pipe of the pipe systembeing repaired.

The components of the liner assembly 22 may comprise a resin absorbentmaterial, such as a felt material. However, in some configurations, onlycertain or some components of the liner assembly may include a resinabsorbent material. For example, it is contemplated in some embodimentsthat the main liner member may also include a rubber gasket, or asealant material, such as a cured or uncured hydrophilic material.Furthermore, it is contemplated in some embodiments that the linerassembly 22 includes elastic, hydrophilic, and/or other types of bandspositioned surrounding the main liner member of the repair assembly onopposite sides of the main liner member opening 28, and at the distalends of the supplemental liner tubes. The bands may aid in providingsealing for the opposite sides of the pipe juncture being prepared andthe terminating ends of the supplemental liner tubes. Furthermore,additional bands may be included in the liner assembly 22 within thelateral liner tube 26, as well as the first and second sections 32, 34of the supplemental liner tube 30. The positioning and use of the bandswould provide for additional sealing throughout the repair of the pipesystem by the repair assembly 10 of the invention.

Also included in the repair assembly 10 of the present invention is abladder assembly 36. The bladder assembly 36 is configured to expandunder the presence of a fluid, such as air, steam, water, or otherfluid. The expansion of the bladder assembly 36 presses the componentsof the liner assembly 22 into position against the walls of the variouspipes of the pipe system, and holds the liner assembly in place until amaterial capable of curing hardening cures and hardens. Once thematerial has cured and hardened, the bladder assembly 36 may be removedfrom the pipe system to leave the cured liners in place forming the newpipe wall. However, it is to be appreciated that in some embodiments,the bladder assembly 36 will remain in the pipe system, with accessprovided thereto, wherein the components of the bladder assembly 36 formthe interior walls of the repaired pipe system.

However, no bladder is required when the invention is practiced with theuse of a parachute end or insertion of an inflatable plug inserted intothe uppermost end or ends of the supplemental liners. In such a case,the parachute end or plug will be used to block the open ends of theliners, and the addition of a fluid within the liners will cause them tobe positioned, either by expansion and stretching or just expansion,against the walls of the pipes. The plug or parachute can be maintainedin place until such time that the curable material of the liners hascured and hardened.

The bladder assembly 36 includes a main bladder tube 38, which ispositioned on and at least partially surrounding the launcher device 12and between the launcher device 12 and the at least portion of the mainliner member 24 of the liner assembly 22. As shown throughout thefigures, the main bladder tube 38 is held in place on the launcherdevice 12 by the use of banding 54 on opposite ends of the launcherdevice 12. The banding 54 may take the form of clamps, tape, straps, orgenerally any other component capable of holding the main bladder tube38 in place, while also providing a fluid tight seal at the location ofthe banding 54. Extending generally from a main bladder opening 42 is alateral bladder tube 40. The lateral bladder tube 40 is fluidlyconnected to the main bladder tube 38 in some embodiments, however, inadditional embodiments, it is contemplated that the lateral bladder tube40 is independent of the main bladder tube 38 such that the inclusion offluid into one does not expand the other. However, for exemplarypurposes, the present invention shows and describes a bladder assembly36 with the main bladder tube 38 and the lateral bladder tube 40 fluidlyconnected such that the inflation or inclusion of fluid into one willalso cause expansion of the other.

Fluidly connected to a distal end of the lateral bladder tube 40 is asupplemental bladder tube 44, which may include a first section 46 and asecond section 48. The first and second sections 46, 48 of thesupplemental bladder tube 44 correspond to opposing portions of asupplemental pipe extending from a distal end of a lateral pipe.However, the number and configuration of the supplemental bladder tube44 may take generally any form as required to repair it and line a pipesystem. The first and second sections of the supplemental bladder tube44 are separate from one another but fluidly connected to one another aswell as to the lateral bladder tube 40. Furthermore, the first andsecond sections 46, 48 include a first closed end 47 and second closedend 49. The lateral bladder tube 40 and supplemental bladder areinserted through the launcher device opening 16 and into the lay flathose 21, by pulling on the ropes 50, 52, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus,inclusion of a fluid into the lay flat hose 21 and launcher device 12will cause the bladder assembly to begin to evert through the launcherdevice opening 16, contacting the pipe into and through the lateralpipe, and furthermore into the portions of the supplemental pipes. Theeversion and expansion of the bladder assembly 36 will position theliner assembly 22 into its corresponding pipes to be repaired, and alsointo contact with the pipe walls.

Also shown in FIG. 2 are first and second lines 50, 52 attached to theends 47, 49 of the supplemental bladder tube 44. The lines will extendthrough and out of the lay flat hose 21. As will be understood, when thebladder assembly 36 is to be removed after curing of the liner assembly22, the lines may be pulled to detach the bladder assembly from theliner assembly, to leave only the liner assembly 22 within the pipesystem.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary pipe system 56, which may be preparedutilizing the repair assembly 10 of the present invention. The pipesystem 56 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first or main pipe 58. Extendingfrom the first or main pipe 58 is a second or lateral pipe 60. The mainand lateral pipes are joined at a pipe juncture 62. At a distal end ofthe lateral pipe 60 extends a third, fourth, and/or otherwisesupplemental pipes 64 which is formed at a juncture 65 between thelateral and supplemental pipes. The lateral pipe 60 of the pipe system56 is shown to be a T-shaped pipe in relation to the main pipe 58. Thus,the axis of the lateral pipe 60 is substantially perpendicular to theaxis of the main pipe 58. However, in some systems, the lateral pipe 60will be angled such that it is Y-shaped relative to the main pipe 58.Likewise, the supplemental pipe 64 is shown to be T-shaped relative tothe lateral pipe 60. However, the supplemental pipe 64 may also beangled such that it is Y-shaped relative to the lateral pipe 60.

Furthermore, while the axis of the supplemental pipe 64 is shown to besubstantially parallel to the axis of the main pipe 58, the repairassembly 10 of the invention is configured to be able to repair asupplemental pipe extending generally any direction relative to the mainand lateral pipes 58, 60. For example, considering the main and lateralpipes in the same configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the repair assembly10 of the invention may be configured to repair a supplemental pipe 64which extends generally out of an into the page such that it isperpendicular to both the lateral and main pipe 60, 58. In addition,this is in addition to the contemplation of the supplemental pipe 64being Y-shaped. Thus, the components of the repair assembly 10 may beconfigured to repair substantially any pipe system including componentswhich are angled relative to one another in substantially any manner,and the repair assembly 10 of the invention is not to be limited to theexemplary embodiment shown in the figures and for the exemplary pipesystem 56 of the figures. Furthermore, the supplemental pipes, 64, 67may be smaller than the lateral pipe 60. For example, the main pipe 58may be approximately 8-inches in diameter, the lateral pipe 60 6-inchesin diameter, and the supplemental pipes 64, 67 4-inches in diameter. Theinvention will still be able to line the pipes having the differentdiameters.

The length of the lateral pipe, e.g., the distance between themain/lateral juncture 62 and the lateral/supplemental pipes juncture 65,can be measured in order to prepare the repair assembly 10 for use in aparticular pipe system 56. This can be done in many ways, and willprovide an assembly in which the supplemental pipe liners 32, 34 beginto extend from the lateral liner 26 at approximately the location of thejuncture 65, such that the liners are positioned against the fullinterior of the supplemental pipes 64, 67 to be repaired. Themeasurements can be done in a number of ways, which are shown generallyin FIGS. 11-13.

FIGS. 11-12 disclose one way to measure the length of the lateral pipe60. As shown in FIG. 11, a camera 78 positioned at the end of a hose ortube 80 can be positioned in either the main pipe 58 or one of thesupplemental pipes 64, 67. The camera 78 is operatively connected to aviewing device, such as a screen. The screen can be viewed by anoperator outside of the pipe system to view the location of the cameraand hose as they are moved through a pipe or pipe system. Thecamera/hose is moved until it is positioned generally at one of thejunctions. At this point, the hose 80 is marked, such as with a piece oftape or a marker 82. The camera 78 and hose 80 are moved through thelateral pipe 60 until it reaches the opposite juncture. At this point,the hose 80 is marked with a second mark 84. The assembly can then beremoved from the pipe system 56. The hose is laid flat, and the lengthbetween the first and second marks 82, 84 is measured and shown withreference letter D in FIG. 12. This measurement should approximate thelength of the lateral pipe 60, such that a lateral liner tube 26 can beprepared to the approximate length of the lateral pipe 60 with the mainliner 24 and supplemental liners 32, 34 extending from opposite sides ofthe lateral liner 26.

Another exemplary method and apparatus for measuring the length of thelateral pipe 60 in order to prepare the repair assembly 10 is shown inFIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, a robot 86, which may be a positioning,cleaning, or generally any other type of robot, is used to move througheither the main pipe 58 or one of the supplemental pipes 64, 67. Such arobot may be known in the industry, such as for cleaning, cutting,moving, or performing other jobs within a pipe or pipe system.Therefore, the operation and control of the robot 86 may be known.Operatively attached to the robot 86 is a measuring device 88. Themeasuring device 88 may be any mechanism capable of measuring, such asby the use of light, sound, wavelength, other time of flight mechanism,or even physical members. Examples of time of flight measuring devicesinclude, but are not limited to, lasers, electronic distance meters,ultrasonic ranging module (sonar, echo sounding), and radar distancemeasurement devices, to name a few. The device 88 may be attached to therobot such that the device 88 can be aligned with a lateral pipe 60 froma location in either a main pipe 58 or one of the supplemental pipes 64,67. The device can be oriented at one of the junctures 62, 65 betweenthe pipes.

The robot 86 is moved through the pipe system to a location at ajuncture between a pipe and a lateral pipe. The measuring device 88 isactivated to accurately measure the distance D1 to the far end of thepipe intersecting the lateral pipe. Knowing the diameter of the pipeswill allow an operator to quickly and easily determine the length of thelateral pipe 60. This will allow the operator to prepare the repairassembly to the configuration of the pipe system so that the liningmembers line the appropriate pipes. For example, when a laser measuringdevice is used, the laser can be activated to obtain the distancebetween it and the far end of the pipes. This measurement can be storedin the device 88, or it can be sent to another device, such as acomputing device (phone, computer, tablet, receiver, etc.) outside thepipe and viewed by an operator, who can then prepare the repairassembly. The measuring laser device can be any device, such as onebought “off the shelf”. The invention is not to be limited to specifictypes, brands, and/or models of devices, and any measuring device may beused.

It should further be appreciated that additional measurements can betaken by the system. Diameters of pipes, angles of junctures, length ofdamaged sections, etc. can also be obtained by the measuring device sothat the repair assembly can be prepared accordingly. FIGS. 4-6illustrate the apparatus and method of a repair assembly 10 beingpositioned and repairing a pipe system 56 as shown in FIG. 3. The repairassembly 10 includes the components disclosed above regarding FIGS. 1and 2. The liner assembly 22 is impregnated with a resin capable ofcuring and hardening. To impregnate the liner, a slug of resin is mixedand poured into an open end of the liner assembly, while the other endsof the liner assembly 22 are temporarily closed or possibly attached toa vacuum pump to remove air from the liner. A slug, roller, or otherdevice is used to press the liner into the shape of a lay flat hose andpush or move the slug of resin through the components of the linerassembly 22 such that the material capable of curing and hardening isabsorbed by the resin absorbent material of the liner assembly 22. Thematerial capable of curing and hardening may be a two-part resin, heatcurable resin, light curable resin, such as a UV light curing resin, ormay be a resin including other initiators, which when initiated causethe resin to cure and harden. For example, other such initiators mayinclude chemicals such as catalyst and promoters, steam, hot water,electric, magnetic, resident, sound, or other types of initiators which,when exposed to an initiating device, causes the resin to begin to cureand harden.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that the impregnation of the linerassembly 22 with the material capable of curing and hardening may takeplace after the liner assembly 22 has been positioned within thecomponents of the bladder assembly 36. For example, the sections of thesupplemental liner tube 30 may be positioned in the sections of thesupplemental bladder tube 44, the lateral liner tube 26 positionedwithin the lateral bladder tube 40, and the main liner member 24positioned adjacent the main bladder tube 38. A first and second closedends 47, 49 of the supplemental bladder tube 44 are attached to firstand second lines 50, 52, which may be ropes, cords, or other connectingmembers. The combination liner and bladder assembly is then operablyconnected to the launcher device 12. Such connection may include movingthe lateral liner and bladder tubes, as well as the supplemental linerbladder tubes 44 through the launcher device opening 16, through thesecond end 18 of the launcher device 12, and into and through the layflat hose 21 extending from the launcher device 12. This may be aided bypulling on the first and second lines 50, 52 attached to the closed ends47, 49 of the supplemental bladder tube 44. The length of the lateralliner and bladder tubes, as well as the supplemental liner and bladdertubes will be contingent upon the length of the pipes being repaired,and therefore, will generally be configured at a repair of the site toaccount for the length of pipe needing repaired. Furthermore, the layflat hose that is connected to the launcher device 12 may beapproximately as long as the lateral and supplemental bladder tubes inan elongated position. In a preferred embodiment, the lay flat hose isat least as long as the bladder tubes, when stretched out in anelongated position.

Once the lateral and supplemental liners and bladders have been pulledthrough the launcher device 12 and lay flat hose 21, the main liner andbladder members are positioned and/or affixed to the launcher device 12.For example, the main bladder tube 38 is generally affixed to thelauncher device 12 by banding the ends of the bladder tube by the use ofbands 54, which may be tape, clamps, or other securing members. Thisband and holding the repair assembly into place relative to the launcherdevice 12 such that expansion of the bladder assembly 36 will not causethe components to move out of position relative to the pipe members ofthe pipe system. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the main bladdermember 38 may be frangibly connected to the launcher device 12 about thelauncher device opening 16, such as by snaps, tape, adhesive, and/orhook and loops. Furthermore, it is contemplated that an elasticcontainment sleeve (not shown) may be positioned between the mainbladder tube 38 and the main liner member 24, which further aids incontrolling the expansion of the main bladder tube 38. Finally, inaddition, it is contemplated that gaskets that take the shape of straps,such as a cured or uncured hydrophilic straps may be positioned at leastpartially around the main liner member 24 on opposite sides of the mainliner member opening 28, or the gasket may take the shape of a flangethat is positioned into the lateral pipe and extending around theopening in the main pipe to aid in sealing the repair assembly 10.

Once the repair assembly is fitted, it can be positioned within the mainpipe 58. The launcher device 12 may include wheels or other members toaid in moving the assembly 10 through the main pipe 58 and into positionsuch that the launcher device opening 16 is generally adjacent thejuncture 62 between the main and lateral pipes 58, 60. In addition, arobot or other moving mechanism may aid in positioning the repairassembly 10 in position in the pipe. A repair assembly is moved into aposition shown in FIG. 4.

Once in position, a fluid, such as air, steam, water, or other fluid isintroduced into and through the lay flat hose. The fluid continues intoand through the launcher device 12. The fluid will cause the bladderassembly 36 to begin to expand. This expansion will first cause the mainbladder tube 38 to expand, which presses the main liner member 24 intocontact with the main pipe 58. Continued addition of fluid into therepair assembly begins to cause the lateral liner 26 and bladder 40 toevert from the launcher device 12 and into the lateral pipe 60, which isshown generally in FIG. 5. Continued expansion will press the lateralliner tube 26 into contact with the wall of the lateral pipe 60. Theeversion of the lateral liner and bladder tubes will continue until thedistal end of the lateral pipe 60, which coincides with the introductionof the supplemental pipe 64 at the juncture 65 there between. This isshown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the continued addition of fluid into therepair assembly 10 will cause the supplemental bladder 44 to continueexpanding, which will cause the first and second sections 46, 48 of thesupplemental bladder 44 to extend into first and second sections of thesupplemental pipe 64. As shown in FIG. 6, these sections extendgenerally in opposite directions from the distal end of the lateral pipe60. The continued eversion and expansion of the supplemental bladder 44is due to the closed ends of the first and second sections 46, 48. Inaddition, this continued expansion of the supplemental bladder 44 willcause the first and second sections 32, 34 of the supplemental linertube 30 to evert into opposite directions of the supplemental pipe 64.Further expansion will press the supplemental liner 30, which includesections 32, 34, into contact with the supplemental pipe 64. Thus, asshown in FIG. 6, the components of the repair assembly 10 have beenfully everted into contact with the walls of the corresponding pipes.The pressure within the bladder assembly is maintained until such timeas the material impregnated into the components of the liner assembly 22has cured and hardened. The curing and hardening time of the materialmay be decreased by the inclusion of initiators, such as heat, light, UVlight, electricity, magnetism, or other initiator, which causes thematerial to begin to cure and harden quicker, i.e., in a shorter amountof time. For example, when using steam, the steam may be passed throughthe bladder assembly such that it exits at the closed, distal end of thesections 46, 48 of the supplemental bladder 44. Once the material hascured and hardened, the pipe is in a near final repaired configuration.

After the material has cured and hardened with the liner assemblypositioned against the walls of the pipe system, the components of thebladder assembly may be removed from the pipe system. The first andsecond lines 50, 52, attached to the first and second closed ends 47, 49of the supplemental bladder tube 44 may be pulled to begin to re-evertthe components of the bladder assembly into one another and through thesupplemental pipe, lateral pipe, and main pipe. The pulling of the lines50, 52 will cause the bladder to become pealed from the interior of thecomponents of the liner assembly 22.

Thus, the pulling of the lines makes it easier for the bladder to beremoved through the liner assembly and repaired pipe walls. Once thesupplemental bladder tube 44 and lateral bladder tube 40 have beenpulled back within and through the launcher device 12 and lay flat hose21, the launcher device 12 and bladder assembly 36 may be removed fromthe pipe system. It should be noted that the removal of the bladdersystem may be accomplished after the fluid has been released from withinthe bladder assembly to contract the components of the bladder assembly.Once the bladder assembly and launcher device have been removed from thepipe assembly, the repaired pipe may take the form as shown in FIG. 7,in which the components of the liner assembly 22 are remained in thepipe system to form the new walls of the components of the pipe system.

However, the invention further contemplates that the bladder assemblyremain in the pipe once the liner assembly has cured and hardened. Forexample, once the liner assembly has cured and hardened, the closed ends47, 49 of the supplemental bladder 44 may be cut open to reintroduceaccess to the supplemental pipe. The lines 50, 52 and launcher devicemay be removed from the pipe system, thus restoring access through thepipes. In such a configuration, the bladder will bond with the resin andform the new interior walls of the new cured-in-place pipes, thusremaining part of the repaired pipe system. In such configurations, thebladder may include mechanical projections or other chemical means forattaching the bladders to the liners, to aid in keeping the bladdersattached to the interior of the liners.

It should be appreciated that the invention includes the omission of thelauncher device 12. Instead, the components of the system can beinserted into, and then inverted out of only a lay flat hose. Utilizingsuch a system would allow the components to be inverted into position inthe respective pipes through the lay flat hose.

FIGS. 8-10 disclose additional embodiments of the repair assembly 10 forrepairing pipe systems as shown and described. The repair assembly 10shown in the figures is similar to that as shown and described withregard to the previous figures. In addition, the repair assembly 10includes the use of one or more collars 66 for repairing and sealing thejuncture 62, 65 between the pipes. As shown in FIG. 8, a collar 66 maybe positioned at the launcher device opening 16 and at least partiallysurrounding the main liner member 24. The collar 66 may comprise anabsorbent material or a non-absorbent material. When the collar 66comprises an absorbent material, the collar may be impregnated with amaterial capable of sealing the juncture from external or outsidefluids. Thus, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material may be impregnatedinto the absorbing collars. However, the collars may otherwise take theform or comprise a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material in a nonabsorbentconfiguration. For example, the collar 66 may comprise a neoprene orother rubber, which may or may not be compressible and/or impermeable.The collar is used to prevent liquids or other fluids from penetratingthe junctures of the pipe systems, which can cause weakening and/ordamage to the repaired pipe by introducing liquids or other fluidsbetween the pipe walls and the cured liners of the repair assembly 10.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the collar 66 may be positioned on the linerassembly and launcher device 12. One or more straps 72 may be includedto aid in holding the collar 66 in place. Furthermore, the straps 72 maynot be required, and instead the collar be frangibly connected to themain liner member 24, such as by snaps, adhesives, stitching, hook andloops, or other manners. The other components of the repair assembly 10may remain as previously shown and described.

As shown in FIG. 9, the repair assembly 10 including the collar 66 ispositioned in the main pipe, and a fluid is introduced into and throughthe lay flat hose 21 and launcher device 12, which causes the componentsof the bladder assembly 36 to begin to expand. The expansion will pressthe main liner member 24 and brim portion 70 of the collar into contactwith the main pipe 58. The eversion of the lateral liner into thelateral pipe will cause a tubular portion 68 of collar 66 to contact aportion of the lateral pipe 60. This positions the collar 66 at thejuncture 62 between the main and lateral pipes 58, 60 such that thecollar provides sealing there at.

Further introduction of a fluid will cause the supplemental liner andbladder to be everted into the first and second sections of thesupplemental pipe 64. The eversion will continue until the closed ends47, 49 of the supplemental bladder tube 44 have reached their end. Thebladder will also position first and second end seal straps 74, 76,which are positioned at or near the distal ends of the sections 32, 34of the supplemental liner 30 and between the liner and the wall of thepipes. The end seal straps may comprise cured or uncured hydrophilicmaterial, or other materials that will aid in preventing water or otherliquids from passing behind the liner walls. Thus, other materials, suchas compressible and/or impermeable rubbers, may also be used as the endseal straps. The expansion of the bladder assembly 36 is maintaineduntil the material impregnated into the liner assembly 22 has cured andhardened within the pipe system. At this time, the bladder assembly maybe removed, leaving the pipe system as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the linerassembly 22 and the collar 66 may be remained within the pipe system,providing a repaired interior wall of the pipe system, with a sealingmember positioned at the juncture 62 between the main and lateral pipes58, 60.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that another collar, such as one madefrom cured or uncured materials with paste-like consistency, bepositioned in the repair assembly such that it will coincide with thejuncture 65 between the lateral pipe 60 and the supplemental pipe 64. Insuch a situation, the pipe system should be measured such that a knowndistance or length of lateral pipe is included. At the transition fromthe lateral liner tube 26 to the supplemental liner tube 30, a secondcollar may be included and attached thereto. The collar may be attachedvia a frangible means, such as stitching, adhesive, snaps, hook andloops, or the like. The second collar (not shown) may be generallysurrounding the liners such that the eversion of the liners by theexpansion of the bladders will cause the collar to be positioned with aportion in the supplemental pipe and a portion in the lateral pipe atthe pipe juncture 65. Such a collar would provide sealing from liquidsor other fluids at said pipe juncture, which would aid in protecting therepaired walls of the pipe system.

The repair assembly 10 of the invention as shown and described providesnumerous advantages and benefits. For example, the repair assembly 10allows for one assembly to be used to repair a pipe system includingmultiple pipes extending from one another, i.e., main pipe, lateral pipeextending from the main pipe, and a supplemental pipes extending fromthe lateral pipe. This will reduce the amount of time required to repairsuch pipe systems and will eliminate the need to repair each pipeindividually. This will also reduce the costs for repairing such pipesystems and will allow additional pipes to be repaired in a timelyfashion, and provide for a monolithic cured-in-place pipe having uniformpipe walls and outfitted with sealing gaskets that prevent leakage whencompared to previous systems. Other advantages include the use of linesattached to the closed ends of the supplemental bladder. As these arethe end pieces of the bladder assembly, the removal of the bladderassembly may be accomplished by the pulling of the lines, which willpeal the bladder assembly from the liner assembly within the pipesystem. Thus, there is no cutting or other robots or tools required tobe inserted into the pipe system to reintroduce access to the pipesystem by cutting the closed ends of the bladders. The lines will alsobe useful in controlling the inversion and expansion of the bladderassembly such that the components of the bladder assembly will fullypress the components of the liner assembly against the walls of thecorresponding pipes being repaired. Other advantages and benefitsobvious to those skilled in the art are to be appreciated.

The present invention also includes repair assemblies and pipeliningmethods to repair multiple pipes using a clean out pipe or access pipeas the point of entry. FIGS. 14-16 show an exemplary pipe system whichmay be repaired utilizing the repair assembly of the present invention.The pipe system includes a first or access pipe 90. Extending from thefirst or access pipe 58 is a second or lateral pipe 60. At a distal endof the lateral pipe 60 extends a main pipe 58 or other supplementalpipes. The pipes may be connected at junctions having any suitablegeometry, including T or Y configurations. As shown in the figures, theaccess pipe 90 is connected to a lateral pipe 60 at a T junction suchthat the lateral pipe 60 extends away from the access pipe 90 in twodirections.

The repair assembly shown in FIGS. 14-16 includes a liner assembly and abladder assembly. These components are constructed and function in amanner similar to the corresponding components in the embodimentsdescribed above. The launcher device 13 is positioned near the mouth ofthe access pipe 90 (typically near ground level and open to theatmosphere) and is adapted to position the liner assembly and bladderassembly downward into the pipe system from the mouth of the access pipe90. A similar ground-level launcher is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,343,937 (Kiest, Jr.) which is hereby incorporated by this reference.The liner and bladder assemblies are similar to those described aboveexcept that in these embodiments the inversion starts down the mouth ofthe access pipe 90 instead of in the main pipe 58 or up the lateral pipe60. Thus, in these embodiments the inversion terminates at the closedends 47, 49 of the bladder assembly in the lateral pipe 60 (FIG. 14),main pipe 58 (FIGS. 15 and 16), or other supplemental pipe.Additionally, the liner and bladder assemblies in FIGS. 14-16 are notconfigured to line on opposite sides of the entry point, as is shown anddescribed in the previous embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 14, the liner assembly includes a access liner 94configured to line an access pipe 90 and a lateral liner configured toline a lateral pipe 60 extending from the access pipe 90. The lateralliner has a first portion 27 and a second portion 29. The first portion27 of the lateral liner is adapted to extend in the lateral pipe 60 in afirst direction away from the access pipe 90 and the second portion 29of the lateral liner is adapted to extend in the lateral pipe 60 in asecond direction away from the access pipe 90. The different sections ofthe liner assembly 94, 27, and 29 may be combined in a tee or wye shapeconfiguration at each respective pipe junction to allow the linerassembly to repair the pipe system in which the pipe junctions are at atee or wye angle from each other. As described in other embodiments,bladders may be used to press the liner assembly into contact with thepipes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the bladder assembly includesa access bladder 92 combined with a lateral bladder 40. The lateralbladder 40 includes a first portion and a second portion configured toextend away from the access pipe 90 in different directions as describedabove for the liner assembly.

The length of the access pipe 90, e.g., the distance between the mouthof the access pipe 90 and the lateral/access pipe juncture can bemeasured in order to prepare the repair assembly for use in a particularpipe system. The measurements are important to ensure the proper lengthof liner and bladder segments are prepared and aligned with respect toeach other before insertion into the pipe system. Pipe measurements canbe done in many ways and will provide an assembly in which the lateralpipe liners 27, 29 begin to extend from the access liner 94 atapproximately the location of the juncture. Some apparatus and methodsfor obtaining pipe measurements are shown and described above withrespect to FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 14 shows the repair assembly fully inverted similar to theinversion stage shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 for other embodiments describedherein. The expansion of the bladder assembly, curing of the linerassembly, and optional removal of the bladder assembly are performed forthe embodiment shown in FIG. 14 in a manner similar to the correspondingprocesses described above, except the entry/exit point and launcherdevice 13 are located at the ground level of the access pipe 90 insteadof within the main pipe 58. The other features described with respect toearlier embodiments, such as the use of a collar, may also be used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment similar the embodiment described withrespect to FIG. 14 except there is no liner tube in the access pipe 90after the repair assembly is inverted into the pipe system. This allowsthe lateral pipe 60 to be repaired in only one direction away from theaccess pipe 90 without needing the liner tube to be cut afterinstillation to allow the sewage to pass from the house. In thisembodiment, it is important to position the lateral liner tube 31 withinthe bladder tubes 40, 92 to ensure that the lateral liner tube 31 doesnot begin to invert until after the bladder assembly reaches the lateralpipe 60. The length of the access pipe 90 must be determined asdescribed above. The position of the lateral liner tube 31 within thebladder tubes 92, 40 may be determined by the method described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,343,937, which is incorporated by this reference. The meansof frangibly attaching the liner and bladder is also described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,343,937.

The liner assembly for the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 includes alateral liner tube 31 configured to line a lateral pipe 60 and a mainliner tube 25 configured to line a second or main pipe 58 extending fromthe lateral pipe 60. The main liner tube 25 may extend from the lateralpipe 60 in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the main linertube 25 has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion ofthe main liner tube 25 is adapted to extend in the main pipe 56 in afirst direction away from the lateral pipe 60 and the second portion ofthe main liner tube 25 is adapted to extend in the main pipe 58 in asecond direction away from the lateral pipe 60. The bladder assemblyincludes an access bladder tube 92 combined with a lateral bladder tube40 combined with a main bladder tube 38. The main bladder tube 38 mayextend from the lateral pipe 60 in one or more directions to correspondwith the main liner tube 25. FIG. 15 shows the liner assembly afterinversion of the bladder tubes 40, 92, 38 and liner tubes 31, 25. Theexpansion of the bladder assembly, curing of the liner assembly, andoptional removal of the bladder assembly are performed for theembodiment shown in FIG. 15 in a manner similar to the correspondingprocesses described above, except the entry/exit point and launcherdevice 13 are located at the ground level of the access pipe 90 insteadof within the main pipe 58. The other features described with respect toearlier embodiments, such as the use of a collar, may also be used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

The repair assembly and lining process illustrated in FIG. 15 does notline a portion of the access pipe 90. Alternatively, the access pipe 90can also be lined in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG. 14. In thisembodiment, however, the liner assembly further comprises a main linertube 25 combined with the lateral liner first portion 27 configured toline a third or main pipe 58. The main liner tube 25 may extend from thelateral pipe 60 in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the mainliner tube 25 has a first portion and a second portion. The firstportion of the main liner tube is adapted to extend in the main pipe 56in a first direction away from the lateral pipe 60 and the secondportion of the main liner tube is adapted to extend in the main pipe 58in a second direction away from the lateral pipe 60. The bladderassembly further comprises a main bladder tube 38 combined with thelateral bladder 40. The main bladder tube 38 may extend from the lateralpipe 60 in one or more directions to correspond with the main liner tube25.

FIG. 16 shows the repair assembly in the process of inverting the linerassembly and bladder assembly downward from the access pipe 90 into thelateral pipe 60. This is similar to the inversion stage shown in FIGS. 6and 9 for other embodiments described herein. The expansion of thebladder assembly, curing of the liner assembly, and optional removal ofthe bladder assembly are performed for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16in a manner similar to the corresponding processes described above,except the entry/exit point and launcher device 13 are located at theground level of the access pipe 90 instead of within the main pipe 58.The other features described with respect to earlier embodiments, suchas the use of a collar, may also be used with the embodiment shown inFIG. 16.

It should be understood that additional changes and modifications to theembodiments shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention, and without diminishing itsadvantages. It is intended, therefore, that such change andmodifications be covered by the various aspects and embodiments of theinvention.

1. A repair assembly for repairing an access pipe and a portion of alateral pipe, the access pipe having a lower portion in communicationwith the lateral pipe and an upper portion in communication with theatmosphere, the repair assembly comprising: a bladder assembly includingan access bladder tube and a lateral bladder tube extending from theaccess bladder tube; and a liner assembly including an access liner tubeconfigured to line at least a portion of the access pipe and a lateralliner tube extending from the access liner tube and configured to lineat least a portion of the lateral pipe in a first direction away fromthe access pipe and a second direction away from the access pipe;wherein the access liner tube is configured to be positioned between theaccess bladder tube and the access pipe, and the lateral liner tube isconfigured to be positioned between the lateral bladder tube and thelateral pipe; and wherein at least a portion of the liner assemblyincludes a resin absorbent material.
 2. The repair assembly of claim 1wherein the lateral liner tube includes a first portion configured toextend in the first direction from the access pipe and a second portionconfigured to extend in the second direction from the access pipe. 3.The repair assembly of claim 2 wherein the lateral bladder tube includesa first portion configured to extend in the first direction from theaccess pipe and a second portion configured to extend in the seconddirection from the access pipe.
 4. The repair assembly of claim 3wherein the access liner tube is disposed at least partially within theaccess bladder tube and the lateral liner tube is positioned at leastpartially within the lateral bladder tube, and the access bladder tubeand access liner tube are invertable into the access pipe and thelateral bladder tube and the lateral liner tube are invertable into thelateral pipe.
 5. A method for repairing a portion of an access pipe anda portion of a lateral pipe wherein the access pipe has a lower portionin communication with the lateral pipe and an upper portion incommunication with the atmosphere, the method comprising: providing abladder assembly including an access bladder tube and a lateral bladdertube extending from the access bladder tube, wherein the lateral bladdertube has a first portion configured to extend in a first direction and asecond portion configured to extend in a second direction; providing aliner assembly comprising an access liner tube configured to line atleast a portion of the access pipe, a lateral liner tube extending fromthe access liner tube and configured to line at least a portion of thelateral pipe, wherein the lateral liner tube has a first portionconfigured to extend in the first direction and a second portionconfigured to extend in the second direction; impregnating the linerassembly with a material capable of curing and hardening; positioningthe liner assembly in the access pipe and lateral pipe; inverting andexpanding the liner assembly such that the access liner tube extendsinto and in contact with the access pipe and such that the lateral linertube extends into and in contact with the lateral pipe in the firstdirection and the second direction; and allowing the material to cureand harden.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising removing thebladder assembly after the material has cured and hardened.
 7. A repairassembly for repairing at least a portion of a lateral pipe and at leasta portion of a main pipe, the repair assembly comprising: a bladderassembly including an access bladder tube, a lateral bladder tubeextending from the access bladder tube, and a main bladder tubeextending from the lateral bladder tube; and a liner assembly includinga lateral liner tube configured to line at least a portion of thelateral pipe and a main liner tube configured to line at least a portionof the main pipe; wherein the lateral liner tube is configured to bepositioned between the lateral bladder tube and the lateral pipe, andthe main liner tube is configured to be positioned between the mainbladder tube and the main pipe; and wherein at least a portion of theliner assembly includes a resin absorbent material.
 8. The repairassembly of claim 7 wherein the main liner tube includes a first portionconfigured to extend in the first direction from the lateral pipe and asecond portion configured to extend in the second direction from thelateral pipe.
 9. The repair assembly of claim 7 wherein the main bladdertube is frangibly attached to the main liner tube.
 10. The repairassembly of claim 7 wherein the lateral bladder tube is frangiblyattached to the lateral liner tube.
 11. The repair assembly of claim 7wherein the liner assembly further comprises an access liner tubeconfigured to line at least a portion of the access pipe, wherein theaccess liner tube is configured to be positioned between the accessbladder tube and the access pipe.
 12. A method for repairing a portionof a lateral pipe and a portion of a main pipe in communicationtherewith, wherein an access pipe has a lower portion in communicationwith the lateral pipe and an upper portion in communication with theatmosphere, the method comprising: providing a bladder assemblyincluding an access bladder tube, a lateral bladder tube extending fromthe access bladder tube, and a main bladder tube extending from thelateral bladder tube; providing a liner assembly including a lateralliner tube configured to line at least a portion of the lateral pipe anda main liner tube configured to line at least a portion of the mainpipe; impregnating the liner assembly with a material capable of curingand hardening; positioning the lateral liner tube in the lateral bladdertube and the main liner tube in main bladder tube; inverting the linerassembly such that the access bladder tube extends into the access pipe,the lateral liner tube extends into and in contact with at least aportion of the lateral pipe, and the main liner tube extends into and incontact with at least a portion of the main pipe; and allowing thematerial to cure and harden.
 13. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising removing the bladder assembly after the material has curedand hardened.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step offrangibly attaching the lateral liner tube to the lateral bladder tube.15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of frangiblyattaching the main liner tube to the main bladder tube.
 16. The methodof claim 12 wherein the liner assembly further comprises an access linertube and inverting the access liner such that the access liner extendsinto and in contact with at least a portion of the access pipe.
 17. Arepair assembly for repairing at least a portion of a lateral pipe andat least a portion of a main pipe, the repair assembly comprising: abladder assembly including an access bladder tube, a lateral bladdertube extending from the access bladder tube, and a main bladder tubeextending from the lateral bladder tube, wherein the lateral bladdertube has a first portion configured to extend in a first direction and asecond portion configured to extend in a second direction; and a linerassembly including an access liner tube configured to line at least aportion of the access pipe, a lateral liner tube configured to line atleast a portion of the lateral pipe, and a main liner tube configured toline at least a portion of the main pipe, wherein the lateral liner tubehas a first portion configured to extend in a first direction and asecond portion configured to extend in a second direction; wherein theaccess liner tube is configured to be positioned between the accessbladder tube and the access pipe, the lateral liner tube is configuredto be positioned between the lateral bladder tube and the lateral pipe,and the main liner tube is configured to be positioned between the mainbladder tube and the main pipe; and wherein at least a portion of theliner assembly includes a resin absorbent material.
 18. The repairassembly of claim 17 wherein the main liner tube includes a firstportion configured to extend in the first direction from the lateralpipe and a second portion configured to extend in the second directionfrom the lateral pipe.
 19. The repair assembly of claim 17 wherein themain bladder tube is frangibly attached to the main liner tube.
 20. Therepair assembly of claim 17 wherein the lateral bladder tube isfrangibly attached to the lateral liner tube.
 21. A method for repairinga portion of a lateral pipe and a portion of a main pipe incommunication therewith, wherein an access pipe has a lower portion incommunication with the lateral pipe and an upper portion incommunication with the atmosphere, the method comprising: providing abladder assembly including an access bladder tube, a lateral bladdertube extending from the access bladder tube, and a main bladder tubeextending from the lateral bladder tube; providing a liner assemblyincluding an access liner tube configured to line at least a portion ofthe access pipe, a lateral liner tube configured to line at least aportion of the lateral pipe, and a main liner tube configured to line atleast a portion of the main pipe, wherein the lateral liner tube has afirst portion configured to extend in the first direction and a secondportion configured to extend in the second direction; impregnating theliner assembly with a material capable of curing and hardening;positioning the access liner tube in the access bladder, the lateralliner tube in the lateral bladder tube, and the main liner tubepositioned in main bladder tube; inverting the liner assembly such thatthe access bladder tube extends into the access pipe and in contact withat least a portion of the access pipe, the lateral liner tube extendsinto and in contact with at least a portion of the lateral pipe in thefirst direction and the second direction, and the main liner tubeextends into and in contact with at least a portion of the main pipe;and allowing the material to cure and harden.
 22. The method of claim 21further comprising removing the bladder assembly after the material hascured and hardened.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the main linertube has a first portion configured to extend in a first direction awayfrom the lateral pipe and a second portion configured to extend in asecond direction away from the lateral pipe.
 24. The method of claim 21further comprising the step of frangibly attaching the lateral linertube to the lateral bladder tube.
 25. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising the step of frangibly attaching the main liner tube to themain bladder tube.